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Why US punitive tariffs put Switzerland under pressure

04:35

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Stefanie Dodt
September 26, 2025

US President Trump has imposed punitive tariffs of 39 percent on Switzerland, dealing a serious blow to the Alpine country’s economy. But the Swiss are getting creative.

Swiss coffee machine maker Thermoplan, a key supplier to Starbucks, faces steep 39% U.S. tariffs, threatening a decades-long partnership. CEO Adrian Steiner calls the move a “punch to the gut,” as losses mount. To adapt, Thermoplan is pivoting to tea machines for the Chinese market. Meanwhile, Swiss firms like Ypsomed shift production to Germany to avoid tariffs. With chemical exports next in line, Switzerland’s export-driven economy braces for impact.

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